Once again, the Swazi police have taken it upon themselves to stop legitimate protest in Swaziland.
As today’s (18 September 2008) blockade of border posts between South Africa and Swaziland gets under way reports are coming in of police intimidation and arrests.
The Swaziland Solidarity Network reports that ‘Swazi police are arresting protesters at, or on their way to, the border posts between Swaziland and SA and then dumping them in isolated areas.’
Among those arrested include Mario Masuku, president of the banned Peoples; United Democratic Organisation (PUDEMO); leaders of the Swazi teaching union SNAT; Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions (SFTU) General secretary Jan Sithole; and trade union leader Vincent Dlamini.
All groups of people assembling near the border posts are being dispersed.
The blockade is to protest against elections taking place in Swaziland tomorrow. The elections are illegitimate because all political parties are banned and the parliament has no real powers. King Mswati III appoints the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers. The present PM, Themba Dlamini was appointed by the King even though Dlamini was not elected to parliament.
Last month police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at marchers who were demonstrating for democracy in the Swazi towns of Manzini and Mbabane.
1 comment:
The road to freedom, democracy and the rule of law is not as easy as many people will think.
It requires men and women who are willing and able to sacrifice.
"Sacrifice, it's too hard living into separate world"
so said Elton John.
Revolution begins at home, and not from another to home.
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